Future of Flint schools' Model United Nations program unclear

FLINT, Michigan — A program that helped each of its graduates earn college scholarships might be coming to and end.

"The program will exist but it will be a shadow of its former self," said Jim Arnould, former Model United Nations teacher at Flint Central High School, who retired this year with the closing of the school.

"I see it withering on the vine, you might say. And it's a shame," he said.

Through the program, students become delegates for nations across the globe and have to argue that country's policies with other schools. The Flint team has brought home national awards and has a long winning streak.

Arnould said he retired after hearing the Model United Nations program, which pulled gifted students from each of Flint's high schools, was going to be a non-competitive program at Flint Northern High School. Without recruiting the highest performing students, Arnould said the program, which involves long hours dedicated to studying and debating national issues, simply won't be the same.

"This sounds like I'm putting down Northern and Northwestern, which I'm not. If it comes out that way I apologize, but I have to have good, aggressive, top-notch students," Arnould said.

School officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the future of the program. Look for the full story in tomorrow's paper or on this site later today.